A values-led approach to management for three Whakatāne reserves has been set out in the draft revision of the Tapatoru ā Toi Conservation Management Plan, which opened for submissions on Wednesday.

Te Tapatoru ā Toi Joint Management Committee Chair Vince Copeland said the plan has been under development by Te Tapatoru ā Toi (TTāT), with the support of DOC, to put taiao at the centre of all decision making for the reserves – Moutohorā/Whale Island Wildlife Management Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve and Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve - known collectively as Te Tāpui Tokotoru.

“The Committee worked closely with hapū, technical experts and stakeholders to develop a plan of how we expect to care for, protect, and relate to Te Tāpui Tokotoru over the next 10 years," sad Copeland.

TTāT was established through the Ngāti Awa Settlement Act in 2005 and has representatives from Ngāti Awa, the community, and the Bay of Plenty Conservation Board.

The floor is now open for the community to have their say on whether the plan meets the needs and interests of all who enjoy Te Tāpui Tokotoru (the three reserves).

“We invite you to share your feedback with us, and to be part of bringing the vision to life over the next 10 years,” said Copeland.

Submissions will be open from October 9 to December 1, with public hearings on November 15 and 16 at Te Whare o Toroa Marae.

The draft plan can be viewed on the DOC website. Copies can be viewed at DOC Whakatāne or Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa reception.

Submissions may be emailed to ttat@doc.govt.nz, or posted to 9 Louvain Street, Whakatāne, 3120.

Background information

The Te Tapatoru ā Toi Conservation Management Plan (TTāT CMP or CMP), is a statutory planning document describing how public conservation lands and waters will be cared for, protected and managed into the future.

The CMP sets the strategic direction for the management of Moutohorā (Whale Island) Wildlife Management Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve, and Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve, known collectively as Te Tāpui Tokotoru.

The name Tapatoru-ā-Toi symbolises the connection between, and the shared responsibility to care for, these treasured reserves. The name draws upon the symbolism of the triangle (tapatoru) to:

• bring together the three reserves, Moutohorā (Whale Island) Wildlife Management Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve and Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve
• reference the relationship between the three groupings of Ngāti Awa, Department of Conservation, and the community
• recognise the three articles of Te Tīriti o Waitangi as the founding document of Aotearoa.

Toi-te-huatahi is the esteemed ancestor of Ngāti Awa who dwelled within the bounds of the land and sea of these three significant places.